Question

An anther with malfunctioning tapetum often fails to produce viable male gametophytes. Give any one reason.

Answer 1

The tapetum is the innermost layer of a microsporangium, which is found in a cluster of two in each lobe of an anther. The tapetum is responsible for nourishing the pollen grains. Hence, if it malfunctions, then the pollen grains will not be provided with sufficient nutrition and will not be able to mature into viable male gametes.